can only run in safe mode

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by admkrk, Jul 20, 2012.

  1. admkrk

    admkrk Private E-2

    I seem to have joined the large group of people suffering from sirefef. It was only annoying when new tabs popped up in FF, now I can only keep the PC running for more than one minute if I'm in safe mode.

    Found this thread in a search and followed the directions in the linked thread so attaching those files here. I think my problem started the same with updating Flash player which was crashing more than usual at the time.

    Background - Running MS security essentials on WIN 7/64. When I got tired of the new tabs opening and Google searches being redirected I took a look at MSSE only to find it wasn't working. Following the MS troubleshooting tips I found a missing file (Microsoft Antimalware Service) so I uninstalled and installed the newest download. That found the two trojans in the post I linked. Remove or quarantine both result in the same thing, as does turning off real time protection. "Windows encountered an error and will restart in one minute." or something very close to that. Windows firewall didn't appear to be running either.
    I didn't notice until I came to post that virtual drives needed to be turned off but unsure if I should turn it off and rerun the tests since what I saw first said not to rerun them.

    I can't do my school work in safe mode so I really need to at least be able to run in normal mode as soon as possible and will appreciate any help.

    Thanks in advance, Kirk
     

    Attached Files:

  2. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Please download ComboFix to your desktop and run it. Do not do anything while it runs. Attach the log when it is finished.
     
  3. admkrk

    admkrk Private E-2

    I had the PC starting to restart even in safe mode so I'm not sure if the two times it restarted while combo fix ran was normal or not. It seemed to continue on fine when restarted though.

    Thank you.
     

    Attached Files:

  4. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    It looks like Combo cleared the infection. Just to be sure, please run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).Make sure that you watch for the license agreement for TrendMicro HijackThis and click on the Accept button TWICE to accept ( yes twice ).

    Then attach the below logs:
    * C:\MGlogs.zip

    Make sure you tell me how things are working now!
     
  5. admkrk

    admkrk Private E-2

    It's looking better. Running in normal mode now. Windows Firewall still wont start and I haven't tried turning MSSE back on yet but otherwise seems fine. Haven't had tabs popping open yet but haven't had FF on for long either.

    Wasn't thinking and ran MGtools.exe instead of GetLogs.bat, I hope that's just as good?

    Thank you
     

    Attached Files:

  6. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Looks good. Let me know if you have any further issues. ;)
     
  7. admkrk

    admkrk Private E-2

    Well I still can't get Windows Firewall turned back on. It doesn't show up in the list of services even as you can see from the screenshot, so I'm not sure how to go about starting it. Everything I've found so far says to turn it on there and I haven't found anything about it being missing yet.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Sorry for the delay, I lost internet service on Sat. and just got it back.

    I suggest that you post in the software forum for help with your firewall issue or install a firewall program.

    Sincer you are not having any malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

    1. We recommend you keep SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. Unless you purchase them, they provide no real time protection. They do not use any significant amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.We recommend them for doing backup scans when you suspect a malware infection.
    2. If we had you use ComboFix, uninstall ComboFix (This uninstall will only work as written if you installed ComboFix on your Desktop like we requested.)
      • Click START then RUN and enter the below into the run box and then click OK. Note the quotes are required
      • "%userprofile%\Desktop\combofix" /uninstall
        • Notes: The space between the combofix" and the /uninstall, it must be there.
        • This will uninstall ComboFix and also reset hidden files and folders settings back to Windows defaults.


    3. Go back to step 6 of the READ ME and renable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it.
    4. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
    5. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
    6. If running Vista, it is time to make sure you have reenabled UAC by double clicking on the C:\MGtools\enableUAC.reg file and allowing it to be added to the registry.
    7. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
    8. Goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click on this file to run this cleanup program that will remove files and folders related to MGtools and some other items from our cleaning procedures.
    9. If you are running Win 7, Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
      • Refer to the cleaning procedures pointed to by step 7 of the READ ME
        for your Window version and see the instructions to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
      • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.

    10. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:


    Malware removal from a National Chain = $149
    Malware removal from MajorGeeks = $0
     
  9. admkrk

    admkrk Private E-2

    Thank you again!

    I kind of forgot about this myself since I've been busy catching up on school work. If it wasn't for you I'd be even farther behind.

    Everything is running the same as before except the firewall so I should be good for now.
     
  10. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    You are most welcome. Safe surfing. :)
     

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